Look for the Helpers: students thank medical workers, quarantine song hits the airwaves
As our area is faced with ongoing changes due to a growing pandemic, we are bringing stories of people doing good in the community during a time of uncertainty.
Look for the helpers.
Mister Rogers
Easter Service
Hitching Post II Restaurant and Winery in Buellton is feeding first responders, health care workers and community members while trying to stay afloat amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
During Easter, they provided 200 lunches in the Santa Ynez Valley. Last week, the restaurant prepared dozens of BBQ meal boxes paired with wine and delivered them to Cottage Hospital for the Environmental Protection Services staff, who clean the COVID-19 hospital area.
This week the restaurant plans to make soup to give to families in need.
Foothill Students Say Thanks
Second-graders at Foothill Elementary School in Santa Barbara County made an adorable thank you video for medical workers and first responders.
Their teacher, Susi Stanfield, asked her students to make a poster and record themselves giving thanks.
Stanfield put all of their videos together and sent it to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Emergency Room staff.
Stanfield said staff sent a photo and a message reminding students that the crisis is temporary, and to keep washing their hands.
Meals Still on Wheels
The pandemic is not slowing down 82-year-old Betty McCaffrey. She continues to deliver Meals on Wheels in the Solvang and Buellton area.
McCaffrey has been volunteering with the Buellton Senior Center for two years.
She was urged to stop volunteering but said she wants to be there for her community during this time and has even started sewing masks for all of the people she delivers food to during the week.
McCaffrey wears a mask and gloves, and practices safe social distancing when she volunteers.
Social Distance Dance
Quarantine is producing creative works of art and music, including a new song emerging out of Montecito.
It's called "Social Distance Dance," and was written by local resident Eric Swank and performed by Mint Dolphin, an indy pop group.
Swank said he wrote it to spread a message of solidarity, positivity, while being social responsible and caring for ourselves and each other.
Swank said 92.9 KJEE selected the song as a "Pick of the Week," and will play it Monday night at 7 p.m. on the radio.
Know of any other helpers making a difference during these trying times? Send Alys an email and let her know!
